There’s a saying, well – actually it’s my saying, that those who cannot, take pictures of those who can. Photography may be my passion, but fashion is my obsession. For those who know me, they know I’m quite possibly the least fashionable person in Florida. I get excited when I actually layer a tank top, or wear shoes that aren’t flip flops. Then there’s Melanie Pace – who might possibly be the most fashionable person I know. Humbly, I might add. The girl can rock a dress and stilettos, but is still a little shy, and prefers the chaos backstage to the limelight.
When she first asked me to come shoot behind the scenes at Millenia Fashion Week Couture Culture (Champagne Brunch and Fashion Event) today, I wasn’t hesitant at all. I was super excited to surround myself with my usual non-wedding weekend routine, which generally includes chaos, fashion and tall, skinny models. I even grabbed a picture with Paulina Porizkova – tacky, I know 
Then I panicked.
What does one wear to work the most upscale fashion event in Orlando? This question resulted in at least 3 frantic text messages to Melanie and a last minute shopping spree at Bloomingdale’s last night (Hello adorable Coach shoes!).
This morning, I frolicked among David Yurman, Jimmy Choo, St. John, Tory Burch and Gucci. This afternoon, I fell asleep in a hot bubble bath. I could die over these clothes…. and the shoes?? Shut. Up. Next time, I think I’ll end my day with a runway lap in some of the Choos. I doubt anyone would notice… right?
Besides the obsession with Jimmy Choo, the Tory Burch show was my favorite. Except – the last Gucci dress… showstopper. The lights, the colors and those gorgeous gold bags… life is good.
Especially good because I wasn’t the “official” photographer of the event… meaning I got to skip out on the boring stuff (guests mingling and the actual fashion show shots) and got to concentrate behind the scenes and submerge myself in the chaos, and the beauty of art and fashion.
Swoon with me…
Tempted yet? Keep reading… there’s a lot more!
Beginning prep work with the models and the fabulous MAC artists.
Tory Burch line
St. John line
Killer Tory Burch shoes
A little obsession with Jimmy Choo
The Gucci models
Sneak peak of the Gucci finale dress. Heavenly.
A couple of Tory Burch details
The calm before the storm… it looks so peaceful, for now.
During the hors d’oeuvres, models showed some stunning pieces from David Yurman.
The storm begins! Final prep work for the show
Melanie does a final check before the runway
Melanie spent about 30 minutes posing for me, between wardrobe checks
Melanie being introduced after the show
Melanie with the girls, and Paulina Porizkova, who hosted the event.
Bye bye, Tory Burch. 
Gotta love the iPhone shots
Sneaking on the runway for one final shot with Melanie’s outstanding team!
To see the entire group of 550 images from today’s event, you can visit this website: http://www.collages.net/ViewAnEvent/kristenweaverphotography
Username: Millenia Fashion Week
Password: 24727
Information about the event:
Sunday, October 25 – COUTURE CULTURE CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH & FASHION EVENT
Celebrate the marriage of fashion and the arts at a sumptuous champagne brunch & exclusive luxury fashion presentation hosted by international supermodel Paulina Porizkova. This ticketed brunch will benefit the Dr. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center, FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America-Orlando, the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Festival of Orchestras.
Guests will enjoy a 3-course brunch, moving performances by the Orlando Philharmonic and the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America-Orlando and a glamorous fashion presentation by Gucci, Jimmy Choo, St. John & Tory Burch. Following the brunch, luxury retailers will host in-store activities and feature special incentives to benefit the organizations.
Tickets will be sold for $75 per person and $700 per table. *Tickets for the event have sold-out and are no longer available for purchase.
